Opinion: the Education Committee's response to changes to GCSEs

Opinion: the Education Committee's response to changes to GCSEs

Chris Jones, CEO and Director General of City & Guilds, gives his views on the Education Committee's response to the Government's planned changes to GCSEs

'Today’s report by the Education Committee raises concerns around planned changes to the GCSE system and the subsequent introduction of the EBacc.

'The Committee rightly calls for the whole education system to be reviewed rather than a staunch focus on improving academic provision. Current proposals do not properly take into account vocational, work-based qualifications and as a result, risk exacerbating incorrect perceptions of academic education as superior.

'We know young people want learning to be more contextualised, combining both academic and practical skills that can be applied in the workplace. That’s why we need a system that fully prepares young people for the world of work or continued learning, rather than forcing them down a route that isn’t right for them or their career goals.

'At the end of last year, City & Guilds announced plans for its TechBac – a high quality programme that will give young people the chance to progress in a way that best suits their learning styles and ambitions by combining general and/or competence-based qualifications with hands-on, practical experience. In addition, it will include high quality maths and English in a context that can be applied in real-life situations.

'It’s promising that the Government has committed to progressing the TechBac. Going forward, we must ensure that such plans are developed alongside changes to the GCSE system so that young people know all the options available and choose the path that’s right for them.'